Shows
The Research Adventure Podcast#13 Andy Herbert: How to use value inflection points to map out your commercialisation journeyIn this episode of the Research Adventure podcast, Andy shares his journey as a biotech entrepreneur, detailing his transition from academia to the startup world. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned while building successful ventures, including Gemini Therapeutics, Invizius and his current stealth project. Key themes include risk management, the importance of clear objectives in drug development, and the significance of teamwork and communication in navigating the complexities of biotech. Andy emphasises the need for a structured approach to entrepreneurship and the rewarding nature of delivering impactful solutions to improve lives.
2025-11-061h 06The Research Adventure Podcast#12 Maya Thanou: The unseen journey from idea to breakthrough cancer therapyIn this episode of the Research Adventure podcast, Maya shares her journey as the CEO of Apeikon, a company focused on developing activatable nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of spinning out from King's College London, the importance of stakeholder engagement, and the current status of their clinical trials. Maya also highlights the significance of funding, her advice for pursuing grants, and her vision for the future of precision medicine. The conversation concludes with her reflections on supporting the next generation of academic entrepreneurs and the impact of her work on the world.
2025-10-2339 minThe Research Adventure Podcast#11 Philip Orr: How to use an industry-funded research project to launch a high-growth university spinoutIn this episode, we meet Dr. Philip Orr, Founder and CEO of Synaptec, a University of Strathclyde spinout focused on monitoring and control technologies for the power industry amidst the energy transition. He shares insights on the journey from academic research to commercialisation, the importance of the Enterprise Fellowship, funding strategies and the significance of building credibility in a conservative industry. Philip reflects on his personal growth as a CEO, the value of teamwork, and the future vision for Synaptec, emphasising the need for innovation and collaboration in the energy sector.
2025-10-0951 minThe Research Adventure Podcast#10 Aline Miller: My biggest mistakes, learnings and lessons as the CEO of a university spinoutIn this episode of the Research Adventure podcast, we meet Prof Aline Miller, Chief Scientific Officer of Unit M and former CEO of Manchester BioGel, a biotech spinout from the University of Manchester.Aline reflects on her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, sharing the six biggest mistakes she made as CEO, including giving away too much equity, hiring the wrong people, and starting to sell too early. Alongside these hard-won lessons, she offers practical advice for researchers and founders preparing to take their own ideas to market.We also explore how she aligned her academic...
2025-09-2550 minThe Research Adventure Podcast#9 Madusha Peiris: How a strategic career pivot led to a breakthrough scientific discoveryIn this episode, we meet Dr. Madusha Peiris, CEO and Co-Founder of Elcella, a Queen Mary University spinout transforming appetite regulation and gut health. Madusha shares her journey from early exposure to commercialisation during her PhD, to the patient stories that inspired her mission, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path as an entrepreneur. She reflects on the highs and lows of spinout life - from “eureka” insights and successful clinical trials to surviving the funding valley of death. Today, she leads a high-growth startup that sold out its first product batch in 20 minutes and built a 2m-strong onlin...
2025-09-1153 minThe Research Adventure Podcast#8 Zach & Rachel: Discussing their top ten takeaways & insights from Season 1In this reflective episode of the Research Adventure Podcast, host Zach Sorrells and producer Rachel Clark share the top insights from Season 1.Rather than a checklist, they share the themes that kept surfacing across conversations with researchers and founders. They explore how researchers view commercialisation as a route to impact — shaping decisions, team-building, and the way relationships are nurtured over time. They reflect on how funding influences behaviour, why negotiation is such a vital skill, and how industry perspectives can sharpen research outcomes. They highlight a lesson that came up again and again: in commercialisation, time is ofte...
2025-08-2857 minThe Research Adventure Podcast#7 Aran Eales & Damien Frame: How to balance impact with financial viability when launching a social enterpriseIn this episode of the Research Adventure podcast, co-founders Aran Eales and Damien Frame of Equal Access Energy share their journey in establishing a social enterprise focused on providing renewable energy access in Malawi. They discuss their backgrounds, experiences in Malawi, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges of balancing financial viability with social impact. The conversation highlights the significance of partnerships, storytelling, and data in driving their mission forward, as well as their future goals for scaling mini-grid projects to achieve universal energy access.
2025-08-141h 09The Research Adventure Podcast#6 Mark Zwinderman: Why ignorance, empathy and pragmatism are the keys to success for spinout foundersIn this conversation, Mark Zwinderman shares his experiences and insights from his journey spinning out a company from Napier University, discussing the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the evolution of support for startups over the past 25 years. He emphasises the importance of empathy, curiosity, and resilience in entrepreneurship, while also addressing common mistakes made by founders. Mark highlights the significance of engaging with the market early, the need for effective negotiation with universities, and the importance of building strong founding teams. He also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Scottish ecosystem and offers practical advice for policymakers and...
2025-07-311h 13The Research Adventure Podcast#5 Mariana Fazenda: How to build trust and develop a research culture that supports commercialisationIn this conversation, Mariana Fazenda shares her academic journey from biotechnology to her current role as a Programme Manager at EIT Food. She discusses her experience with the University of Strathclyde spin-out ENOUGH (formerly 3FBio), which originated from a bag of expired wheat, and the challenges and successes in commercialisation. Mariana emphasises the importance of supportive environments, building trust, and creating a research culture that supports commercialisation. She also reflects on her time at the University of Cambridge and offers insights into improving the commercialisation support system in the UK.
2025-07-1754 minThe Research Adventure Podcast#4 Marcos Villeda Hernandez: How 3 PhDs created a DIY business incubator to launch a deep-tech startupIn this episode, Marcos Villeda Hernandez shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing his academic background in nanoscience and the founding of PhotoClear, a startup focused on wastewater treatment. The idea for PhotoClear emerged during the pandemic, driven by a desire to address real-world problems. Marcos rallied a group of like-minded friends and colleagues to join a “business club”, meeting regularly to pitch ideas and selecting the best one through collaboration. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a business, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned from transitioning from a PhD to a CEO. Marcos empha...
2025-07-0357 min
The Research Adventure Podcast#3 Joanna Butler: How to balance being a full time academic and a spin out founder at the same timeIn this episode of The Research Adventure podcast, Joanna Butler, founder and CEO of MyEmploy, shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship. She discusses the development of MyEmploy, a web-based employability assessment tool designed to support disadvantaged job seekers. Jo reflects on her academic background, the challenges of the commercialisation process, and the importance of having a dedicated team. She emphasises the need for transparency in the commercialisation process and the significance of delivering positive change through her work. Jo also highlights the importance of market engagement and the need for quick-moving opportunities to sustain business growth.
2025-06-191h 14The Research Adventure Podcast#2 Veronica Greco: The transition from developing an interesting technology to building a viable businessIn this conversation, Veronica Greco shares her journey from academia to the startup world, detailing her experiences in synthetic biology and her role as COO of CDOT Bio. She discusses the innovative approaches her company is taking to revolutionise agriculture through sustainable practices, the challenges of transitioning from an interesting technology to a viable business, and the importance of understanding market needs. Veronica reflects on her cultural background, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the impact she aims to achieve through her work.
2025-06-0552 min
The Research Adventure Podcast#1 Holly Reeve: The journey from grant funded research to high growth spinoutIn this conversation, Holly Reeve, CEO of HydRegen, shares her journey from academia to leading a deep tech startup focused on making chemical manufacturing cleaner and more sustainable. She discusses the importance of recognising commercial opportunities, the challenges of transitioning from an academic to a commercial mindset, and the critical role of leadership and team dynamics in a startup environment. Holly also reflects on her experiences with funding, mentorship, and the impact of government support on commercialisation efforts.
2025-05-1958 minThe Research Adventure PodcastWelcome to The Research Adventure Podcast: Zach Sorrells introduces Season 1In this opening episode, host Zach Sorrells introduces The Research Adventure Podcast, an initiative of The Research Adventure – a purpose-driven business on a mission to unlock the untapped commercial potential of university research. Zach shares the motivation behind the podcast and what listeners can expect from the season ahead.The podcast is designed to spark conversation and insight around the complex journey of research commercialisation. Each episode features in-depth discussions with academic entrepreneurs working at the intersection of discovery and innovation.Rachel Clark, co-founder of The Research Adventure, produces the series and supports the development an...
2025-05-1904 min